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MONTICELLO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 | 19
ALL ABOUT KIDS
Summer fun returns with music, movies in Monti
LAUREN FLAUM Monticello Times
MONTICELLO— As summer approaches, Monticello is once again rolling out a lineup of easy, family-friendly ways to get outside, gather with neighbors and soak up the season— no elaborate planning required.
From live music along the Mississippi River to outdoor movie nights and weekend splashes at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park, the city’ s summer offerings are designed to keep calendars full and kids entertained.
A staple of the season, the Music on the Mississippi series returns with a mix of local and regional performers, inviting residents to bring lawn chairs, pack up the family and settle in for an evening by the water. The concerts are held from 6 to 8 p. m. at West Bridge Park, with food and beverages available starting at 6 p. m. and music beginning at 6:30.
This year’ s lineup includes“ In the Fields” on June 17, followed by the Monticello Community Band on June 24 and“ The Gents” on July 15. The series blends a range of styles, offering something for casual listeners and dedicated music fans alike— or anyone just looking for a scenic excuse to stay out past bedtime on a Wednesday.
For movie lovers, Movies in the Park returns to Pioneer Park, transforming the open green space into an outdoor theater at dusk. Families are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and their favorite snacks, though concessions will also be available for purchase from Riverside Students. The first showing is scheduled for Friday, June 12, with the featured film to be announced.
The city’ s summer
LAUREN FLAUM / MONTICELLO TIMES
Kids dance along to music from a DJ during a summer event at West Bridge Park in Monticello last June. The city’ s seasonal lineup of live music, movies and family-friendly activities draws crowds throughout the summer months.
lineup extends beyond evening events, with daytime recreation options also in full swing.
At Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park, the outdoor pool, waterslide and splashpad will be open to the public on weekends, offering a built-in way to
cool off during the hottest months. Hours are 6 to 8 p. m. Fridays and noon to 5 p. m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $ 10 per person, with free entry for children ages 2 and under, as well as Monticello Community Center and Elk River Area YMCA
members.
Together, the offerings create a rhythm to the summer— music midweek, movies under the stars and water-filled weekends— giving families a mix of structured events and low-key outings close to home.
Summer fun in Monticello
Music on Mississippi
6 to 8 p. m., West Bridge Park( food at 6 p. m., music at 6:30 p. m.)
• June 17— In the Fields
• June 24— Monticello Community Band
• July 15— The Gents Movies in the Park
Friday, June 12, dusk, Pioneer Park
Movie: To be announced
Bring lawn chairs or blankets; concessions available
Bertram outdoor pool, splashpad
Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park
• Fridays, 6 to 8 p. m.
• Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p. m.
Cost: $ 10; ages 2 and under free; free for MCC and Elk River Area YMCA members
Student art will take center stage at Monticello School District show
Staff report
MONTICELLO— Young artists from across Monticello Public Schools will once again take center stage as MontiArts hosts the annual Monticello School District Art Show, a two-day showcase celebrating student creativity and achievement.
The exhibit will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p. m. Monday and Tuesday, May 12-13, at MontiArts Gallery, 213 W. Broadway St., Monticello, featuring artwork from students at every level, from elementary through high school.
The show opens May 12 with work from Monticello High School and
COURTESY OF MONTIARTS
Artwork from a past Monticello School District Art Show is displayed at MontiArts.
Monticello Middle School students.
On May 13, the spotlight shifts to Pinewood Elementary and Little Mountain Elementary.
The annual event invites the community to explore a wide range of student-created pieces— and gives young artists the opportunity to display their work in a professional gallery setting beyond the classroom walls.
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